Thoughts on Upgrading

[Vehtemas]

So, I wanted to make a post about my thoughts on upgrading beyond the D1...

I have rooted my phone to LGB 1.9 with a 1.1 GHz kernel, I get some lag when switching programs, but mostly due to a RAM issue, but beyond that in general the phone is fast and performs without too much lag...

The only real benefits to upgrading would be no lag (which some of the phones, especially the Charge have lag still), FFC (not that much of a benefit for me), and more internal RAM and storage space...

I do not think these are all that valuable of upgrades, and as such I have not been moved to upgrade even to the DX2...

Sure, my D1 reboots from time to time, and is laggy from time to time, but the majority of the time it operates fast and with very little screen redraws/lag.

Ugh, I just want a phone to come out that MAKES me WANT it!

Like a dual core LTE phone...

 

[Jedii]

If you have enough faith in Motorola and Verizon.......you could possibly wait for the Motorola Bionic

 

[mahashel]

I'm right there with ya.
I'm running CM7 nightlies and with 1GHz overclock my D1 is a snappy little phone. I went to my local VZW store and looked at the DX2 today. Nice phone, but I found the screen to be terribly disappointing. Some folks report flawless LCD performance, so maybe the demo unit was a lemon (unlikely), but I found the display to be quite poor with very smeary motion. Reminded me of the old first-gen LCD panels that were awful for gaming since the response rate was poor and any fast motion in low-brightness scenes looked like a finger-painting.
If this is a taste of things to come then I'm utterly unimpressed. Makes me appreciate my little D1. Maybe I should start babying it even more than usual...

 

[takeshi]

I do not think these are all that valuable of upgrades, and as such I have not been moved to upgrade even to the DX2...

There's really not much to discuss then if you've determined that none of the options are worth upgrading to. What were you hoping to accomplish here? Are you looking to be sold on a device?

 

[mahashel]

I can't answer for the OP, but I think these threads are useful.
Many of us know what we want in our next device (well, the people demanding stuff like quad-core immediately are a bit over the top) but we're just not seeing it. Being able to vent our spleens and bounce new hardware rumors off each other helps dispel the tedium while we wait for the next generation of phones to drop.
Having been disappointed by the DX2, I'm likely biting the bullet and waiting for Bionic/Targa, which looks like it's going to be a bumpy ride. I'll be haunting these forums regularly looking for glimmers of hope.

 

[Vehtemas]

I can't answer for the OP, but I think these threads are useful.
Many of us know what we want in our next device (well, the people demanding stuff like quad-core immediately are a bit over the top) but we're just not seeing it. Being able to vent our spleens and bounce new hardware rumors off each other helps dispel the tedium while we wait for the next generation of phones to drop.
Having been disappointed by the DX2, I'm likely biting the bullet and waiting for Bionic/Targa, which looks like it's going to be a bumpy ride. I'll be haunting these forums regularly looking for glimmers of hope.

Very similar to this gentleman here...

It comes down to the simple fact that I really want to find something that is that good, something that will push me over the edge.

Also, I am hoping that I forgot something that will push me over the edge, and maybe someone here can correct one of my misconceptions.

So yeah, that is my goal with this post, either pooling other people's ideas or just maybe get a misconception corrected that will assist me in seeing the better option.

 

[YankeeDudeL]

Well, Vehtemes, you already know I'm right there with you, it seems we post in all the same forums on here. I've done everything possible to tweak my Droid. And that's been a great experience as it's taken this long to make my Droid feel inadequate. All of last year's powerhouses (i.e. DInc, DX, D2, SGS) couldn't sway me from my Droid. Not a single one were a big enough upgrade over my rooted Droid.

But it's been alluded to many times, the Droid is pretty much topped out as far as it's potential. The software has surpassed the hardware, as it always does eventually. I'm very proud that it took this long, the OG has had legs most technology could only wish it had. It will forever be an icon as I don't think any of us expect another phone to be quite so future resistant in the, erm, future.

 

[darrin2520]

I think this is a great topic myself and I enjoy hearing others thoughts on this. I've had the original Droid from nearly its release date. While my wife has gone through several android phones, I haven't found anything to date that makes me want to upgrade. However, with the short lifespan of the smart phone today, I can't help but feel that the Droid is getting a bit long in the tooth.

Of particular interest is the rumored Droid 3. The 4" screen size and 5 row keyboard with dedicated number keys is really intriguing to me. A physical keyboard is a must (I know I am in the minority on this, but I can't use the on-screen keyboard). Add in more memory and a faster dual core processor and I am really considering this.

That being said, I am really concerned about the comments about the X2 screen and lagging issues. From what I can see the specs for the X2 and Droid 3 are possibly pretty close.

On the surface, the Droid 3 meets what I am looking for, but I may wait a little bit after it comes out to see some reviews.

Anyone other Original Droid owners intrigued by the 3?

 

[Sportster]

I,too,am anxiously awaiting a new phone,hopefully the Bionic. Not interested in the DX2. Don't care for the form factor w/the buttons. If I had to choose presently,it would prob be the Thunderbolt but I'm waiting. Not due for upgrade till end of July so I'm in a good position,really. Hopefully by then the Bionic will be out. But the D1 is def showing its age....

 

[Jedii]

This thread amazes me. Here we are with dual-core qHD phones, and yet the OG Droid is still satisfying our Android hunger. I truly wish someone from Motorola would read this thread. Threads like this make me believe that if manufacturers would stick with Vanilla Android the market would completely change (nothing against: TW, Sense, Blur). I firmly believe that the user has a better overall satisfaction with vanilla android IMHO.

Any other thoughts on this?

 

[Alyianna]

I just upgraded to the DX2 and while very happy with my decision, I have to admit a little wistfulness as I helped my husband set up his vanilla android Xperia Play today!

 

[PhilosoRaptor]

I don't see how any of you are considering Moto phones now that they all have encrypted bootloaders. I wouldn't have gotten such longevity out of my Droid if it hadn't been for all the custom ROMs/Kernels that have been made for it. You will be able to ROM the new phones, but none of them will be AOSP/Stock Android, which is a deal breaker for me.

I'm extremely tempted to grab the Xperia Play right now. Not only because I'm a big gamer, but because it's stock Android and Sony Ericson is dedicated to releasing fast updates for it already. It already comes with 2.3.2 out of the box and SE already has 2.3.3 out for the GSM model, so the Verizon one will have it in no time. To top it off, SE allows you to unlock the bootloader from their own website.

But I also want to milk my Droid for a bit longer until the Samsung Function (Verizon Galaxy S2 variant) launches. It seems like it'll be the best hardware to launch this year.

 

[Spyri]

To be honest, now that HTC has confirmed they'll be unlocking the bootloader, I'm going to be jumping ship to the Thunderbolt. Physical keyboard is no longer a requirement for me (although the boy is sticking with his Droid 2 until VZW has a model with LTE *and* physical keyboard).

 

[YankeeDudeL]

I don't see how any of you are considering Moto phones now that they all have encrypted bootloaders. I wouldn't have gotten such longevity out of my Droid if it hadn't been for all the custom ROMs/Kernels that have been made for it. You will be able to ROM the new phones, but none of them will be AOSP/Stock Android, which is a deal breaker for me.

I'm extremely tempted to grab the Xperia Play right now. Not only because I'm a big gamer, but because it's stock Android and Sony Ericson is dedicated to releasing fast updates for it already. It already comes with 2.3.2 out of the box and SE already has 2.3.3 out for the GSM model, so the Verizon one will have it in no time. To top it off, SE allows you to unlock the bootloader from their own website.

But I also want to milk my Droid for a bit longer until the Samsung Function (Verizon Galaxy S2 variant) launches. It seems like it'll be the best hardware to launch this year.

Yanno, the more I think about it, the more I think that I'll need an unlocked bootloader. Your'e right, our Droids would have never made it this far on the stock kernel, overclocked or not. The custom ones have really been money.

I think a lot of us are holding out hope that Motorola might change their view on it (as they have expressed, but still haven't done anything about). I've been keeping a close eye on the Bionic as well as the SGS2, but I just don't know. There's already talk about the SGS3 and that it very well might be 2GHz dual core and that'll be out the first half of next year. I may just go with a Charge or Revolution for now and hand that down once the next gen phones come out next year. That's the beauty of family plans and multiple upgrades. lol

 

[The_Chief]

Well, DudeL, you & I have been hanging together since the LG Dare was new. GEEEZ we're old!

I read, I shop, I look... but like you guys, NOTHING sways me from the OG Droid. It WILL go down as one of the most versatile devices in history, no doubt about that. And as much as Motorola and Verizon want it to die, it just WON'T!

Droid 3 IS intriguing, but then it's Motorola. The Charge is nice, but it has issues, too.

I guess, given the new propensity of manufacturers to lock their bootloaders (despite lip service otherwise) OR put open bootloaders in lower-end devices, I'll wait and see what CES 2012 has for us. Until then, no doubt my trusty Droid & I will go on and on like the Energizer Bunny.

 

[YankeeDudeL]

Well, DudeL, you & I have been hanging together since the LG Dare was new. GEEEZ we're old!

I read, I shop, I look... but like you guys, NOTHING sways me from the OG Droid. It WILL go down as one of the most versatile devices in history, no doubt about that. And as much as Motorola and Verizon want it to die, it just WON'T!

Droid 3 IS intriguing, but then it's Motorola. The Charge is nice, but it has issues, too.

I guess, given the new propensity of manufacturers to lock their bootloaders (despite lip service otherwise) OR put open bootloaders in lower-end devices, I'll wait and see what CES 2012 has for us. Until then, no doubt my trusty Droid & I will go on and on like the Energizer Bunny.

From Mobile Roar, to DroidMotorola, to AF. Quite the journey it's been.

I've got got two upgrades at the ready, one coming in July, and the other two are in January and August of next year. I should just go ahead and start working for Verizon. lol

I'm interested in the Charge, but I'm waiting to see what the dev community does with it. I don't think I could tolerate it without it being rooted.

All I know is I'm ready for 4G. I want to get locked into it before they change their plans, and we should have it in my area in September. I don't suspect the Droid 3 will be 4G, which is why I haven't gotten excited about it.

 

[The_Chief]

I've HAD upgrades ready for quite awhile, but no sense using them on a phone I don't want or can't modify. ROMs and kernels are nice and all, but if the WOW factor is high, I may not necessarily need that. My BASIC requirement for an Android phone is to be able to root it, put a custom recovery image on it, and BACK IT UP. If I can't make backups, I'm not buying it.

As far as 4G goes, I can live with it or without it... but it would HAVE to be an unlimited data plan. At that high rate of speed, you're gonna blow through 5 GB fast. Really fast. Maybe that's their ulterior motive here: to make the big bucks in data overage.

I'm starting to tire of the games that manufacturers and providers are playing with a system that was designed to be OPEN SOURCE. I know, this is more of an idea thread and I don't want to hijack it by ranting... just throwing out my main reason for needing root access and my frustration at the lack of good phones that suddenly fail to meet that basic requirement.

 

[Vehtemas]

I love this community, always willing to share ideas and pool our thoughts.

I am glad I made this thread, I think a lot of us feel the same, and finally someone said it, root.

Originally I never thought I would like rooting or Modding, but I am addicted and excited every time I see a new release of Liquid.

Also backing up is vital, yeah the cloud helps, but titanium backup and ROM manager make it quick and easy to backup everything.

I love this phone haha.

Typed on my Droid touchscreen with little to no errors.

- J

P.S. Yankee, you are always there posting where I am, you are right about that haha.

 

[johnlgalt]

My take on upgrading:

I'm in the Middle GA area for at least another year, which means I won't be getting access to LTE any time soon. Therefore, I'm looking for power, raw power, and lots of storage space, plus unlocked bootlaoders.

Must haves (these are more bells and whistles but I'd still like to have them): HDMI output, support for 128 GB MicroSD class 6+, super extended battery life.

Frills I could enjoy but don't *have* to have: front facing camera, working noice cancellation, AMOLED display....

I've pretty much described the Galaxy S II haven't I?

Unless a newer, bigger beast comes out, that;'s probably going ot be my next pick - but it all depends....on what comes out in 2-3 months from now.

If the D3 goes from rumor to fact, and has some serious hardware and hte unlocked bootloader, then I'll look at it - else, prolly the GSII

 

[SirVilhelm]

Ugh, I just want a phone to come out that MAKES me WANT it!

Like a dual core LTE phone...

Still don't get the need for a dual core phone. Anyway I just recently upgraded from a D1 running CM7 to the Thunderbolt and haven't looked back. It's fast, big and beautiful. Once rooted I get about 14 to 18 hours of battery and LTE is faster than my home cable modem! If you want to upgrade I would do it now so you get grandfathered in on the unlimited data. Why wait for dual core when you know it's going to take some time before any apps really use it.

I gave my girlfriend the D1 (she was using my old Moto Q running Windows 6.1 hahaha) and I have to say. It's hard going from a large screen like the TB back to the smaller D1. I would compare it to upgrading my old 14" monitor to a 19", no way I can go back now.

 

[YankeeDudeL]

Still don't get the need for a dual core phone. Anyway I just recently upgraded from a D1 running CM7 to the Thunderbolt and haven't looked back. It's fast, big and beautiful. Once rooted I get about 14 to 18 hours of battery and LTE is faster than my home cable modem! If you want to upgrade I would do it now so you get grandfathered in on the unlimited data. Why wait for dual core when you know it's going to take some time before any apps really use it.

I gave my girlfriend the D1 (she was using my old Moto Q running Windows 6.1 hahaha) and I have to say. It's hard going from a large screen like the TB back to the smaller D1. I would compare it to upgrading my old 14" monitor to a 19", no way I can go back now.

I had wanted dual core because we have to get locked into a 2 year contract now. Gonna take some time, but in 6 months to a year I'm sure there's gonna be a heap for it.

Problem is my OG really aggravates me at times. It's truly on it's last legs. I need a phone now. And I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I'd rather have 4G than dual core. I don't have LTE in my area just yet, but should by the end of September, and like you, I want to get locked into that now.

Right now, I'm waiting to see how the dev community takes to the Charge and the Revolution. I really like the Charge, but it needs some tweaking if it's gonna be my phone. I still might get the Revolution for the girlie, but I'm not sure it's for me. There's def a lot of things I like about the TB, but I have concerns about battery life.

Another concern I have is whatever I get my g/f, it has to be something ready to go out of the box. She's pretty much against rooting (she blames everything that has gone wrong with her DInc on root). But all three current 4G phones really require root to get them where they need to be, in one area or another.

 

[Vehtemas]

I can't stomach the Charge, it is too laggy when scrolling for my likes, and the Thunderbolt had way to many issues for the 2 weeks I owned it for me to risk keeping it.

Maybe rooting has fixed a lot of those issues but I don't know if I should risk it.

 

[SirVilhelm]

^What issues were you having? I've only had the TB for about three weeks and love it. No issues for me. Not even the random reboot thing that people talk about.

 

[Vehtemas]

^What issues were you having? I've only had the TB for about three weeks and love it. No issues for me. Not even the random reboot thing that people talk about.

I am not in a 4G area and it lost full data about 3-4 times. Not even WiFi, I was forced to restore the OS every time to get data going. And for those who comment about apps I left it at stock the last time and it happened yet again.

 

[The_Chief]

The more I read about the Galaxy S 2 (or the Function, or whatever Verizon's gonna call it), the more I slobber. And to my knowledge Samsung hasn't started locking bootloaders. So if that thing comes out in a reasonable time frame - and my trusty little Droid can hang on long enough - and if I can get grandfathered in on unlimited 4G, (and if I can root it) then count me IN. But I'm really going to miss the Droid's versatility: I use it as my bedside alarm clock, my GPS navigation in the vehicle, and the GS2 has no such accessories to my knowledge.

But, as DudeL so eloquently put it: it's been a good run for a year and a half, but the Droid is getting long in the tooth and the software has outrun the hardware. If the GS2 DOES have all the docks, then I'll be pre-ordering that puppy as soon as I can.